Complete set of Noritake chine includes: Gravy dish, 12 small bowls with handles, large covered dish, sugar, creamer, 12 saucers, 12 coffee cups, 12 small bowls, large platter, small platter, oval serving bowl, 12 dinner plates, 12 salad plates, 12 dessert plates. On the bottom of each piece under the name Noritake is the letter "M" in a circular design. The design on the set is a cream and gold with surrounding floral patterns. There is gold edging on all the pieces. This set is in mint condition, no missing pieces, no cracks, no chips. It dates back to at least the 1920's.
The current owner's great-grandmother's set of china.
Thank you for contacting Mearto for your appraisal inquiry. Based on the photographs and description provided, this is a set of Noritake porcelain in the “Alvin” pattern. Based on the backmark, this set can be dated to no earlier than 1933, as that was the first year that this particular backmark was used by Noritake. Based on the owner’s description of the set being in excellent condition and having no missing pieces, cracks or chips, the Fair Market Value of the complete set is between $100 and $200 as guided by recent auction sales of this pattern. Unfortunately, the market for a complete set of early to mid-century china by this maker is depressed at present.
Hi Diane, I think in pieces like this there is a lot of sentimental value that can never carry a price tag. I can say that it is not particularly rare in the market and that a set of china is typically used less today by most households than when this was originally sold. Markets are impossible to predict, and that really isn’t what appraisers do in valuing items. Even though the set may not have a high value in the market, it is a complete set in excellent condition nearing 90 years old and deserves appreciation for what it is. I will say that they only get rarer as time goes on.
Thank you for this appraisal. I was wondering if you thought it was worth it to hold on to this set? Does the market go up and down on it? Or will it never amount to much and I should let it go?